President Zardari returns to Pakistan after week-long London stay

President says he is ‘well’, avoids political questions before departure

LONDON: President Asif Ali Zardari departed London for Pakistan on Tuesday after a stay of more than a week in the United Kingdom, during which he underwent medical check-ups, according to sources.

Before leaving for the airport, President Zardari briefly spoke to journalists. Responding to a question about his health, he said, “By the grace of Allah, I am well.” Asked about his stay in London, the President replied, “I had a good time in London.”

The President declined to answer further political questions before proceeding to the airport.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Tipu Usman, saw President Zardari off before his departure.

Sources said the President’s visit was primarily private and medical in nature, with various health examinations conducted during his stay. They added that he did not participate in any political engagements while in the United Kingdom.

The visit marked President Zardari’s first trip to the United Kingdom in nearly six years. During his stay, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari visited him on several occasions.